University of Southern Maine

Portland, ME · public

Official site ↗

Admissions

Admit rate79.3%
Applicants
Middle-50% SAT995–1280
Middle-50% ACT23–26
Avg GPA
Test policy
Avg net price / yr$11,729
Grad rate46%
Median earnings (10 yr)$49,958
Sourcescorecard_bulk · 2025

Application requirements

Early Action2025-12-01
Regular / RollingRolling
Application fee$0 (US) · $0 (intl)
Personal essayNot required
Test policynever required

Source: Common App first-year Requirements Grid, 2025-26 cycle. Confirm on the college's site — requirements can change mid-cycle.

Supplemental essays

  1. Please submit a one to two-page essay describing your writing background, your reasons for attending the M.F.A. program, and your goals following graduation.
  2. 500-750 word statement discussing the work of at least three writers in the genre in which you are applying who have influenced your own writing. This statement may involve close readings, critical analysis, and/or a more personal discussion of why and how you value these writers. Ideally, it should convey a sense of the literary heritage in which you situate your own work and of your skill as a reader.· ~750 words

Copied verbatim from the school's official admissions page (2025-26 cycle).